Malnutrition in the elderly and its relationship with other geriatric syndromes

Abstract

Background & aims: Age related decline in food intake is associated with various physiological, psychological and social factors. Our aim was to assess the nutritional status of our elderly patients and its association with other geriatric syndromes.

Methods: In this cross-sectional population based study, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test was used to evaluate nutritional status of 413 elderly patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic in the last 12 months. MNA test results were compared with the laboratory findings and established geriatric syndromes.

Results: Poor nutritional status was found in 44% of the patients (n=181: 13% malnutrition, 31% malnutrition risk). Malnutrition rate was higher among those with subsequent hospitalization (n=122, 25% vs 8%). Patients with poor nutritional status had lower blood haemoglobin, serum total protein and albumin, and revealed more chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes (6 ± 2 vs 3 ± 2, p<0.0001). Patients with depression, fecal incontinence, decreased cognitive function and functional dependence showed poor nutritional status according to MNA test results.

Conclusions: Malnutrition rate of our patients was comparable with the previous data. Malnutrition risk showed positive correlation with the number of existing geriatric syndromes. Depression, dementia, functional dependence and multiple co-morbidities were associated with poor nutritional status.